One, S-2581, lets fuel merchants buy fuel in other states during emergencies without first getting a distributor’s license from that state. It’s a requirement that Gov. Chris Christie waived when gasoline lines started showing up in North Jersey and coastal areas after the superstorm. With some New Jersey refineries out of commission in the October storm, and a newly uncertain future for the 70,000-barrel Hess refinery in Woodbridge (the company is shutting it down), it’s likely that similar waivers will be needed in the future.

While a governor could issue a specific executive order when supplies are tight, that would waste precious time. It’s sensible to make the authority to import out-of-state gas automatic once a state of emergency is declared.

The second bill, S-2582, is more puzzling. It would allow retail stations that run out of regular grade in an emergency to sell remaining higher-octane fuel (mid-grade or premium) at the same, lower price as regular.

We thought that price gouging after Sandy was a much bigger problem than stations clamoring to sell premium at a lower profit. But, to think that the state has a law against discount high-octane, and that investigators could waste even dollar one trying to enforce it, is offensive.

The Legislature should approve both bills. The first one will do some good in the next fuel shortage. The second one won’t, but artificial price barriers are over-regulation that should be killed, emergency or no emergency.

While lawmakers are at it, how about barring names (“Nemo,” “Saturn”) for ordinary winter storms? OK, this isn’t a legislative function, but this Weather Channel stunt is getting under our skin. What’s next? Names for summer thunderstorms?